DAVIS, Calif. – UC Davis men's water polo is primed for the 2024 season, fronted by returning threats and promising talent the Aggies look to make a run at the Big West and the nation's best.
 
"We're an extremely hardworking team and a cohesive unit," said Child and Meisel Families Director of Men's Water Polo Daniel Leyson. "I think we will continue to improve as the season goes on because we have so many new players that will be playing prominent roles.
 
"We have solid players from top to bottom and we expect to have a lot more depth in our bench this year."
 
The eighth-ranked Aggies will start their season on the road at the Triton Invite in La Jolla, California this weekend. There, they will face off against tough competitors such as No. 3 Stanford and No. 4 USC.
 
On September 13th, the Aggies will break the surface of their home pool and play against American River College. The following two days are jam-packed with competition at the Aggie Roundup, starting with No. 2 California on Sept. 14.
 
Big West competition gets going on October 11th, when the Aggies welcome No. 10 Long Beach State to Schaal Aquatics Center. And later in the season the Big West Championships will pay visit to Davis, being hosted by the Aggies and running from Nov. 22-24.
 
The team is led by a stellar senior group taking their fifth years. Aleix Aznar Beltran, Will Nomura, JT Kujawa, and Holden Neach all have tons of experience under their belts to help lead the Aggies to a successful season and serve as the finale to their collegiate careers. 
 
Leyson is ready for the newcomers and the returners coming out of their redshirt years to be added to the mix this season. And it should lead to the squad getting better as the year progresses due to the internal competition.
 
"Tommy Kiesling has shown a lot of promise coming off his redshirt year, and can shoot the ball really well," said Leyson.
 
Tim Kerr and Waylon Fox are returning stronger than ever and will be notable threats for the Aggies. And redshirt goalkeepers Baxter Chelsom and Frank Laptin are also eager to fortify the Aggie defense and fill the big role Aaron Wilson had on the team in previous years. While left-handed freshman Gabe Benson will also suit up and see the water this season.